Wednesday, May 29
OSAA saga takes one more twist
The twisting legal path that is spelled OSAA took another odd turn last week for Hood River County School District.
Care Center decks out
Family and friends honored the memory of former Hood River Care Center resident Dottie Blake Friday afternoon during a ceremony dedicating the Center’s new deck.
Openings remain with Bravissimo arts camp
There are still remaining spaces open for Bravissimo! Columbia Gorge Music and Arts Camp, June 17-21. The camp is aimed at kids in grades 6-9 and previous music experience is not necessary. Students at the camp will have the opportunity to study instrumental and choral music with teachers from around the state in a relaxed, fun camp atmosphere.
Snowboarder falls to death on first summit attempt
A Timberline Lodge employee fell to his death on Friday while snowboarding on the northeast face of Mt. Hood.
Maintain valley's grace for caretakers unborn
By FINLEY MCNAUGHTON
Letters - May 29
‘Wrong messenger’
Letters - May 25
Disgusting game
Summer Camps
Opportunities abound for local kids this summer
Opportunities abound for local kids this summer
The end of an era
Japanese maple and other plantings, new pumps, and a lofty canopy mark big changes at Nobi’s Corner, a landmark business on Tucker Road.
Tuesday, May 28
Schock, York win board seats in county elections
The Hood River County Commission will have a new chairman at the head of the table next January, with Rodger Schock ousting incumbent John Arens by a 12 percent margin in Tuesday’s primary.
Schools prepare for additional budget cuts
The May 21 defeat of Ballot Measure 13 and budget shortfalls have forced school districts throughout the state to scramble to find cuts in budgets.
Wal-Mart foe Norman visits HR this week
Al Norman, a nationally recognized defender of locally-owned business, will debate a spokeswoman for Wal-Mart Corporation and lead Hood River residents in wrapping “Arms Around Our Town” during a two-day visit Thursday and Friday.
Team Karma blisters course
Adventure racing team, led by former HR resident Nelson Snyder, finishes second longest adventure race in history.
Adventure racing team, led by former HR resident Nelson Snyder, finishes second longest adventure race in history.
Paul encounters an unfamiliar state
Junior runner takes fourth place in 3,000 and fifth in the 1,500 meters at state
Junior runner takes fourth place in 3,000 and fifth in the 1,500 meters at state
Hershey track meet sends locals to state
HOOD RIVER — Young track athletes from all over the Gorge raced into Henderson Stadium Tuesday for the first stage of the Hershey Track and Field series.
Residents Committee lawsuit dismissed
Hood River Circuit Court Judge Donald Hull has dismissed the lawsuit filed against the county and Mt. Hood Meadows, Ltd., over a timber land exchange.
Tribe says 'yes' to Gorge casino
With a strong voice the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs gave a resounding “yes” this week for siting a casino somewhere in the Columbia River Gorge.
Sports briefs
Nike ACG joins 2002 Gorge Games
Wednesday, May 22
HRV bats silent in first-round loss
Team records just one basehit in 4-0 setback to Forest Grove
Team records just one basehit in 4-0 setback to Forest Grove
Classic Horse Show returns to Mt. Hood
The Hood River Classic Hunter/Jumper Horse Show returns for the 11th time Wednesday through Sunday, June 12-16. One of the most popular and prestigious shows of its kind in the Northwest, the Classic will draw more than 400 of the region’s top hunter/jumpers to the site, near the community of Mt. Hood, at Jensen Mills Meadow in the heart of the Hood River Valley.
Sports briefs
Track meets to be held at HRVHS
Letters -- May 22
Festival kudos
Nearly 5,000 attend three-day festival in Hood River
The biggest pantry around.
Meadows reports record numbers
Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort reported Monday that it exceeded 400,000 skier visits for the first time in its 34-year history this season.
Michaels, Rhythm Culture at Grill
While Hood River Inn's special event featuring Paul deLay is going on in the Gorge Room, The Geno Michaels Trio lays down the grooves at the Grill this Friday. The group features Geno Michaels on piano and Hammond B-3 organ, Ted Swenson on bass, and Ed Pierce on drums. The trio will show its versatility with performances of soul, funk, jazz, and R&B numbers. Rhythm Culture returns to the Grill for a two-day engagement on Saturday and Sunday. The group plays original reggae music infused with blues and jazz. Rhythm Culture is led by vocalist/drummer/composer Bryan Mecurius. Music starts at 9 p.m. and is free to the public.
Oates, Emmerson lack rhythm at state
PORTLAND — Tennis is a game of ups and downs, and unfortunately for HRV’s top doubles team, last Friday was a down day at the Portland Tennis Club.
Pear and Wine Festival continues to grow in Hood River
The rhyme is a new slogan of the Northwest Pear Bureau, the name sponsor of the Pear and Wine Festival.
Police dish out ice cream awards
Young bikers and skateboarders in Hood River can enjoy a free ice cream cone for practicing safe riding habits.
Community choir pays tribute
Special Memorial Day event honors those who gave their lives in service
Special Memorial Day event honors those who gave their lives in service
Refining interests defined busy school year
“What did your senior year mean to you?” Four high school seniors from Hood River County will write about this question between now and graduation day in “View from ‘02” First up is Sarah Fix who worked as a news intern this year. Sarah and her classmates will graduate June 7. — Editor
Stonehedge Gardens offers a getaway without leaving town
Mike Caldwell shakes his head as he sits on a terrace of the vast and multi-leveled patio of Stonehedge Gardens, one of three Hood River restaurants he and his wife, Shawna, own.
HRVHS scholar turns page to new adventure in D.C.
Sophomore Graham Hay got sent to the principal’s office one day last week — to meet his congressman about his summer job.
Paul deLay band blowout at Inn
Paul deLay Band appears this Friday in a performance at the Gorge Room at Hood River Inn. A large dance floor and a no-host bar set the party atmosphere.
Gutzler wins Spring Handicap by two strokes
HOOD RIVER — Susan Gutzler fired a cool round of 70 last Thursday at Indian Creek Golf Course to win the annual Spring Handicap tournament.
Murphy graduates to state
AURORA — HRV senior Andy Murphy capped his high-school golfing career May 13-14 when he competed at the OSAA/U.S. Bank State Golf Championships at Langdon Farms Golf Course.
Port faces funding dilemma over bridge work
The Port of Hood River is facing a dilemma over when to undertake a major redecking project on its aging toll bridge.
Slack-key guitar champ plays benefit
One of the world’s top slack-key guitar artists, George Kahumoku Jr., will perform June 8 at the Hood River Middle School auditorium. Tickets are $18 in advance, $10 for people under 21 and free to kids under 10. Tickets are available at Waucoma Bookstore or from members of Citizens for Responsible Growth. Call concert organizer Maui Meyer at 386-2330.
TOP Soccer attracts scores of players
HOOD RIVER — Few people unfamiliar with soccer realize how unifying and edifying the game can be — especially for young children. But the word is quickly getting out.
Monday, May 20
Hood River's Scott Woolums summits Mt. Everest
Hood River mountaineer Scott Woolums reached the summit of Mt. Everest Thursday morning at about 10:45 a.m. Nepal time. While standing on the top of the highest mountain in the world — at 29,035 feet — he took time to call home on his satellite phone.
HRV frosh softball rolls to 19-2 finish
While the HRV varsity softball team was garnering most of the attention this season for its state playoff run, another Eagle team was busy dismantling the Mt. Hood Conference in its own right.
Sharing the American baseball culture
Sports commentary -- Part 2 of "A game unlike any other"
Sports commentary -- Part 2 of "A game unlike any other"
Sports briefs
Hukari cashes in on 200th win
Hidle, Paul perform great, blaze to state
GRESHAM — All season long, it appeared that Anna Hidle was holding something back.
Luhr Jensen slapped with $66,000 fine
A Hood River company that prides itself on being environmentally friendly has been fined $66,354 for violations of Oregon’s hazardous waste and water quality rules.
Mr. HRV delights a full house
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys. But if they do, they just might become Mr. HRV.
Wednesday, May 15
Lifeguard training offered at Aquatic Center
The Hood River Parks and Recreation District will offer an American Red Cross lifeguard training course.
ODOT runs into scenic roadblock with commission
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has hit a roadblock for installation of a concrete safety barrier along a hazardous section of Interstate 84.
Letters - May 11
Tree sale succeeded
School district eyes changes to Cascade Locks High School
This year’s juniors might be the last students to graduate from Cascade Locks High School.
Programs needed for cleaner orchard heating
By PATTI SMITH and BOB MONTGOMERY
U.S. goals should embody peace, justice
By THERESA NORTH
Illegal voting brings fines, penalties
Last fall’s conviction of a Hood River resident for election fraud has underscored the seriousness of casting an illegal vote.
School district eyes changes for Cascade Locks High School
This year’s juniors might be the last students to graduate from Cascade Locks High School. Declining enrollment in Cascade Locks and growing student numbers at Hood River Valley High School suggest the need to examine whether or not to keep Cascade Locks a K-12 school, Superintendent Jerry Sessions said this week. The district has begun studying the idea of changing the school to a kindergarten-through-eighth grade facility, effective in 2003-04. CLHS students would attend Hood River Valley High School or regional community colleges. “We need to start a conversation about the future of Cascade Locks High School,” Sessions said. “We are not talking about closing the school; we are committed to keeping a school open in Cascade Locks.” Sessions said he wants the district to reach a decision by March 2003, when the schools’ funding picture for the next year is known. In what is the start of an extended discussion, Sessions and first-year principal Chris Daniels met with a group of a dozen Cascade Locks citizens Tuesday to discuss what he acknowledges would involve a major change for the Cascade Locks community. “We want input from the community,” Sessions said. He appears likely to receive it. “To the residents of Cascade Locks the closing of the high school is not feasible and not desirable,” said Dr. Robin Voetterl, a Cascade Locks resident who is helping facilitate discussions with the district. “In our minds there is no question. It is a moot suggestion and we are going to work as hard as we can with the county and the city and the school district staff and our own staff to make sure that doesn’t happen,” said Voetterl (pronounced va-TEL). Sessions said the idea of making Cascade Locks K-8 arises from fiscal reality, given the disparate class sizes at the two high schools. Class sizes average about 11 students at CLHS, compared with about 28 at HRVHS. HRVHS will lose 2.33 teaching positions in 2002-03 if the proposed budget is approved next month. Under the proposed budget Cascade Locks’ teaching staff would lose one-half a position, at the elementary level. Sessions said that because of state graduation requirements, CLHS staffing could not be reduced. Sessions said a number of options are open to consideration, including going to a K-10 enrollment at Cascade Locks, and allowing students to take classes at Mt. Hood Community College or Columbia Gorge Community College. The future of Cascade Locks School will be discussed in the school band room on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., during a meeting of an existing visioning group for the school. The group includes students and community members, Sessions said.
Major Leagues support local team
The 13-year-old Masonic Lodge Padres of the Babe Ruth youth baseball league received a welcome surprise before Wednesday night’s game at Collins Field.
Community policing gets underway
Hood River City Police Chief Tony Dirks is pleased that, after less than one year, his vision for a community policing program has hit the road.
Entertainment briefs 5/15
Home Grown music debuts Saturday
Tuesday, May 14
State board of Education asks to meet with OSAA officials
Hood River Valley High School is still in the ballgame to stop a sports redistricting that would lower classroom time and hike transportation costs.
Benton takes 8th place to lead HRV girls
PORTLAND — Senior Susie Benton led six HRV girls golfers at the 2002 district match, held Monday and Tuesday at Glendoveer Golf Course.
Murphy leads HRV golfers to fifth at district
WELCHES — Some days, you just don’t have it. And then there are days you think you don’t have it but actually do.
Special Olympics softball underway
THE DALLES — As the high-school baseball and softball seasons wind down, another group of local ballplayers is just getting started.
HRV baseball finishes on somber note
PORTLAND — Looking to snap a six-game skid and preserve a measure of pride for the seniors, the HRV baseball team took on Parkrose in its final game of the season last Friday.
Sports briefs
McIsaac’s remains undefeated
HRV softball travels to Forest Grove Friday
HOOD RIVER — Already assured of a playoff spot, the HRV softball team had very little on the line Friday for its final league contest against Parkrose.
GIrls doubles teams rally at district
PORTLAND — The HRV girls tennis team completed the 2002 season on a melancholy note at this week’s district match.
Pear variations
Local flavors gain a regional seasoning at this weekend's festival
Local flavors gain a regional seasoning at this weekend's festival
Lacrosse loses its grip on playoffs
PORTLAND — The lacrosse playoffs came down to the last game of the season for HRV, but according to coach Chris Kelly, it didn’t have to.
Student wins national Latin exam
The Hood River Chapter of the National Junior Classical League recently announced the results of the 2002 National Latin Exam. The exam tests not only knowledge of the Latin language, but also understanding of Roman history and mythology. This is the second year the exam has been administered to students in the Mid-Columbia. Six local students took the examination in March and all of them placed in the national competition.
Wednesday, May 8
Crossing America for a cause
What would it take for you to walk across the United States?
Letters - May 8
Great jazz music
HRV lacrosse rips Lincoln, but slips vs. OES
HOOD RIVER — Teams often play their best when something is on the line, whether it’s homecoming, pride or a division title.
Candidates take stands on issues as May 21 election approaches
The four Hood River County Commission candidates in two contested races recently sat down to answer, in their own words, six questions posed by the News. Following are answers by John Arens and Rodger Shock, contenders for the at-large chair position, and Carol York and Ladd Henderson, who are both vying for the District 1 seat:
Playoffs still no guarantee for HRV
Softball team needs to win two of last three to be assured state playoff berth
Softball team needs to win two of last three to be assured state playoff berth
Budget cuts scare teachers
School counselor among those losing jobs
School counselor among those losing jobs
HRV baseball drops fourth straight
PORTLAND — The midseason freefall continued for the HRV baseball team Friday as it lost a lopsided 10-0 decision to Central Catholic.
Monday, May 6
In Nepal, HR climbers prepare for Mt. Everest
“We’re all tucked in here at Camp 2, getting ready to go up to Camp 3 at over 23,500 feet tomorrow for a couple nights. This is our final acclimatization trip before the summit attempt. After this we’ll go back down for a good long rest after spending over 12 nights above base camp.”
Give and take:The soft touch of CranialSacral Therapy
Five grams of pressure is all it takes. The weight of a nickel.
Tribe announces May 21 casino vote
The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs will vote on May 21 about whether to move ahead with a proposed plan to build a casino in the Gorge.
Candidates talk casino, local economy
Serious debate was laced with political humor during a forum for Hood River County Commission candidates on Wednesday evening at Cascade Locks City Hall.
Wednesday, May 1
Snowfest benefit
Local photographer Richard Hallman will be hosting Snow Fest 2002 on Thursday at the Skylight Theater and Pub. The 7 p.m. show will feature Hallman’s skiing, snowboarding and scenery images from Sun Valley, Idaho; Snowbird and Salt Lake, Utah; Jackson Hole, Wyo.; Mt. Hood Meadows and Valdez, Alaska. There will be a $5 cover at the door, with raffle and door prizes. All proceeds go to the “Trauma Nurses Talk Tough Program,” which educates kids K-12 on safety and awareness.
Letters April 27
Win with Wal-Mart
Letters -- May 1
Avoiding ‘green’
Rotary Skatepark officially on course
Skateboarders from all over Oregon — even from as far away as Milwaukee, Wisc. — turned out in droves Saturday, April 21, to help Hood River Parks and Recreation and the local Rotary chapter officially open the new skate course at 20th and Wasco streets.
Entertainment briefs -- May 1
Jaka plays two nights at River City